The Taste of Tradition
If you’re a lover of spicy, flavorful sausages, then you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Morocco. At our Moroccan restaurant in the heart of New York City, we take great pride in our unique take on the classic merguez – a beloved Moroccan sausage that packs a delightful punch.
Growing up in a Moroccan household, the aroma of sizzling merguez was a familiar and comforting scent that would waft through the air, beckoning me to the table. The rich blend of aromatic spices, the juicy texture, and the captivating heat would ignite my senses and leave me longing for more. As I ventured out into the world, I made it my mission to recreate that same magical experience, and that’s precisely what we’ve done here at El Bahia.
Spice Up Your Life
Merguez sausages are renowned for their vibrant red color and their distinctive spicy kick, which comes from a harmonious blend of chili peppers, cumin, and other aromatic spices. At our restaurant, we’ve taken this traditional recipe and given it a modern twist, infusing it with our own unique flair.
Our merguez sausages are made in-house using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. We start with a base of succulent lamb, sourced from local, sustainable farms, and then we meticulously craft the spice blend that gives our sausages their signature flavor. From the smoky heat of Aleppo peppers to the earthy complexity of coriander, each ingredient is carefully selected and perfectly balanced to create a harmonious symphony of taste.
As Chow Traveller notes, the key to a great sausage is in the quality of the meat and the artfulness of the seasoning. At El Bahia, we take this to heart, ensuring that every bite of our merguez sausages is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Morocco.
Merguez Mania: Delicious Dishes Galore
Now that you know a bit about the history and craftsmanship behind our merguez sausages, it’s time to dive into the mouthwatering dishes we’ve created to showcase their bold flavors. From breakfast to dinner, our merguez sausages are the star of the show, adding a spicy twist to a variety of beloved dishes.
Breakfast: Merguez Mania
Start your day off right with our Merguez Breakfast Bowl. We begin by sautéing our house-made merguez sausages in a skillet, releasing their aromatic spices into the air. We then create a vibrant tomato salsa, brimming with fresh cilantro, onions, and a hint of lime, which we spoon over the sizzling sausages. To complete the dish, we top it with a perfectly cooked fried egg, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. The result is a harmony of textures and flavors that will wake up your taste buds and have you craving more.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, try our Merguez Breakfast Sandwich. We start with a fluffy brioche bun and layer it with our signature merguez sausage, scrambled eggs, and a creamy harissa-infused mayonnaise. The heat from the sausage and the richness of the eggs are balanced perfectly by the tangy mayonnaise, creating a breakfast sandwich that will have you coming back for seconds.
Lunch: Merguez Mania
For a satisfying midday meal, our Merguez Meatball Sub is a must-try. We take our spicy merguez sausage, break it down, and then mix it with a blend of aromatic spices, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley to create succulent meatballs. These meatballs are then nestled inside a crusty baguette and topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. The combination of the juicy meatballs, the tangy sauce, and the melted cheese is a flavor explosion that will have you licking your lips in delight.
For a lighter option, our Merguez Salad is a refreshing and satisfying choice. We start with a bed of crisp mixed greens and then top it with our grilled merguez sausages, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of our homemade lemon-garlic vinaigrette. The spicy sausage pairs beautifully with the fresh, crunchy vegetables, creating a salad that is both nourishing and indulgent.
Dinner: Merguez Mania
When the sun goes down, our Merguez Tagine is the star of the show. We begin by slow-cooking our merguez sausages in a fragrant broth, infusing them with the warm flavors of cumin, coriander, and harissa. We then add a medley of roasted vegetables, including sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, and serve the dish over a bed of fluffy couscous. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that transports you straight to the bustling souks of Marrakech.
For a more indulgent dinner, our Merguez Lasagna is a must-try. We start by layering our homemade merguez sausages with a rich, creamy béchamel sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. We then add a touch of heat with a sprinkling of harissa paste, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. The final result is a lasagna that is both comforting and bold, a true celebration of Moroccan spices.
A Global Inspiration
As a chef who has had the privilege of traveling the world, I’ve been fortunate to experience the rich culinary traditions of many different cultures. But it is the flavors of Morocco that have always held a special place in my heart. The vibrant spices, the tender meats, and the bold, unapologetic approach to cooking have inspired me to create dishes that honor the heritage of this captivating country while putting my own unique spin on them.
Just as chefs around the world are reinventing classic dishes, we at El Bahia have taken the beloved merguez sausage and transformed it into a star attraction on our menu. From breakfast to dinner, our merguez sausages are the foundation for a diverse array of mouthwatering creations that will transport your taste buds on a journey through the bustling streets of Moroccan cities.
The Art of Spice
At the heart of our merguez sausages is a delicate balance of spices that pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of Morocco. While the classic merguez recipe calls for a blend of chili peppers, cumin, and garlic, we’ve added our own unique twist to create a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting.
As renowned chef Ken Hom notes, the secret to great sausages lies in the quality of the meat and the artfulness of the seasoning. That’s why we source our lamb from local, sustainable farms and painstakingly craft our spice blend to ensure that every bite is a symphony of flavors.
Our merguez sausages are infused with a blend of Aleppo peppers, which lend a subtly smoky heat, and harissa, a North African paste made with chili peppers, garlic, and warm spices. We also add a touch of cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds to create a depth of flavor that is both complex and addictive.
The result is a sausage that is both familiar and extraordinary, a true representation of the culinary ingenuity that has made Moroccan cuisine a global phenomenon.
Merguez Mania at El Bahia
At El Bahia, we take great pride in our unique take on the classic merguez sausage. Whether you’re craving a spicy breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner, our merguez-based dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco.
So come and join us on this culinary adventure, where the flavors of the East meet the energy of the West. Experience the Merguez Mania that has taken over our restaurant, and let your senses be awakened by the bold, unapologetic flavors of our Moroccan-inspired creations.
